Click through the gallery for the predicted Man United line-up to face Everton

"We were on this process of developing him as a player - he has a lot to learn and great potential to develop so we were giving him 90 minutes.

Not consecutive matches but 90 minutes against Feyenoord then, one week later, 90 minutes against West Ham, but he got this little injury."

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Luke Shaw (right) will miss the trip to Everton

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Shaw (second left) lasted just 45 minutes against West Ham on Wednesday

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Shaw (left) has endured injuries this season

United have endured a string of defensive injuries this season, with Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling currently out.

Antonio Valencia recently recovered from a broken arm to bolster the right-back position, while Mourinho has had to call on Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo in recent games despite the manager claiming they were not 100 per cent fit.

"In the squad, we are in a very good position with injuries - the two central defenders and Luke is what we have," Mourinho added.

"Everybody is doing really well to keep that record good in such a difficult season with so many matches.

"Hopefully, we progress in the cup competitions and have more cup games to play in the second part of the season."